Efecto de la extracción de raíces aéreas sobre las poblaciones de "tripeperro" (Philodendron longirrhizum, Araceae) en los Andes centrales de Colombia

The "tripeperro" (Philodendron longirrhizum) is a hemiepiphyte widely distributed in the Colombian Andes. In the region known as the Eje Cafetero, the aerial roots of this species are employed as a source of fiber to produce baskets and other handicrafts. This activity has a long tradition in the region and is concentrated in the town of Filandia (Department of Quindío). A decrease in the availability of appropriate roots for craftmanship has been detected in the last years. The effect of the extraction of roots on size structure, population density, and root production was evaluated, by comparing areas that undergo root extraction to those that do not. The results showed that although root extraction seems to have no effects on population density, it does have significant effects on size structure and, in consequence, on root production, which was showed to decrease down to five or six times in areas that undergo root extraction.